Jos Massacre: Death toll hits 28, Sowore Blames ‘Managed Anarchy’

At least 28 people have been confirmed dead following a coordinated attack by gunmen in Angwan Rukuba community, also known as Gari Ya Waye, in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack, which occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Palm Sunday, saw over 20 assailants storm a busy market junction and nearby relaxation spots, opening fire indiscriminately on residents.

Rising casualties

Initial reports by the Plateau State Police Command put the death toll at 12, but community leaders and eyewitness accounts later confirmed that at least 28 people were killed, with dozens more injured.

Victims were said to be civilians gathered for evening activities when the attackers struck, leaving what witnesses described as a scene of “blood and tears.”

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the gunmen arrived on motorcycles and tricycles, locally known as Keke Napep, taking advantage of the element of surprise before fleeing the area.

Some of the attackers were reportedly dressed in military or National Drug Law Enforcement Agency uniforms, raising concerns about impersonation and security breaches.

Security response

Residents said security forces arrived approximately 45 minutes after the attack, by which time the assailants had escaped.

In response, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North LGA to contain the situation and prevent further violence.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings, describing the attack as “barbaric and unprovoked,” and directed security agencies to track down those responsible.

Sowore reacts

Human rights activist and leader of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, criticised the handling of insecurity in the country, rejecting narratives that frame such attacks as purely religious.

He argued that the killings reflect deeper governance failures, alleging that insecurity has been allowed to persist.

“This is not about religion. Muslims, Christians, and children are all victims. This is a result of irresponsible leadership and systemic insecurity,” he said.

Sowore further described the situation as a form of “managed anarchy,” urging Nigerians, particularly youths, to demand accountability and take responsibility for defending their rights.

Mixed reactions

While President Bola Tinubu has previously condemned similar attacks as unacceptable security failures, critics say the federal response to the Jos killings has been insufficient.

Some stakeholders, including youth groups and civil society voices, have expressed concern over what they describe as a lack of visible intervention from the federal government.

Background

The latest violence adds to growing insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, where recurring attacks have claimed thousands of lives over the years.

Recent reports indicate that over 190,000 Nigerians have died in violent incidents since 2009, with thousands more killed in recent years alone.

The Jos attack has sparked renewed outrage, with some residents reportedly defying the curfew to demand justice for victims and stronger government action.